Big Island Sunset Sail: Kohala Coast Catamaran & Cocktails

Watch the sky turn gold from a catamaran off Hawaii's black-sand coast

You board barefoot at Anaeho'omalu Bay, sail the Kohala Coast for 1.5 hours with cocktails and snacks included, and watch the sunset from a stable catamaran that rarely causes seasickness. The crew times the sail to catch the light at its best, and you return to the pier before nightfall with no transport logistics to arrange yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waikoloa sunset catamaran sail

• Walk 20 minutes to Anaeho'omalu Bay
• Board barefoot 53-foot catamaran
• Enjoy cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks
• Cruise along Kohala Coast shoreline
• Spot sea turtles in blue waters
• View Mauna Kea and Hualālai peaks
• Watch sunset and look for green flash
• Return to Anaeho'omalu Bay

The Experience

There's something about standing on a boat as the light drains from the sky that makes you stop checking your phone. You slip off your shoes at Anaeho'omalu Bay — they stay safe on the pier while you board the Spirit of Aloha, a 53-foot catamaran that holds up to 49 people but never feels crowded. The boat leaves at 5:30pm in summer, 5pm in winter, and within minutes you're moving past the Kohala Coast, where black lava fields drop straight into turquoise water and the island's volcanic peaks rise sharp against the horizon.

The catamaran is built to sit low and move smooth, so seasickness is rare even if the Pacific is a bit choppy. Once you're settled, the bar opens — tropical cocktails, beer, wine, or unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, plus light island-style snacks that taste better when you're watching the water. The crew knows the timing of the sunset sail depends on weather and wind, so they position the boat to catch the best angle, and if you're lucky and the conditions align, you might see the green flash, that split-second shimmer of light that happens just as the sun dips below the horizon. Most days you won't, but the sky does the work anyway — it shifts from gold to orange to pink, and the water reflects it all back at you.

Getting there is straightforward: there's a twenty-minute coastal walk from Hilton Waikoloa Village down to A-Bay, or you can arrange your own transport. The boat returns you to the same spot before dark. If weather cancels the sail, you get to reschedule or take your money back, which means you're not gambling on the evening.

What’s included

• Your sail includes a full premium bar with tropical cocktails, beer, wine, soda and juice.
• light island-style bites and snacks.
• comfortable shaded seating.
• and clean restrooms on board. The boat departs from Anaeho'omalu Bay and returns to the same location, so you only need to arrange transport to and from the bay itself.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Hawaii Nautical

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see a Hawaiian sunset without arranging their own boat or worrying about seasickness — the catamaran's size and design mean most people sail comfortably, and the crew handles the timing so you just show up and watch the sky change color.

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Top questions

What time does the sunset sail depart?

5:30pm in summer (roughly May to September) and 5pm in winter. The exact time shifts with the sunset, and the 1.5-hour duration is approximate depending on weather and water conditions.

Is there a bar on the catamaran?

Yes. The boat serves tropical cocktails, beer, wine, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. Light island-style bites and snacks are also included.

How many people go on each sail?

The catamaran holds a maximum of 49 guests, so it's large enough to feel spacious but not so big that it feels like a floating resort.

Do I need to wear shoes on the boat?

No. This is a barefoot cruise. Your shoes are stored safely at the pier while you're on the water.

Will I get seasick?

The catamaran is designed to minimize motion and most guests experience little to no seasickness. The crew is trained to help if you do feel queasy.

What if the weather is bad?

If poor weather cancels the sail, you can reschedule for another date or receive a full refund.

How do I get to Anaeho'omalu Bay?

There's a twenty-minute coastal walk from Hilton Waikoloa Village to the bay. Public transportation options are also available nearby, or you can arrange your own transport.

Can children go on the sunset sail?

Yes, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age to consume alcohol is 21.

What can I see from the boat?

The Kohala Coast with its black lava fields, turquoise Pacific waters, and on clear days, Hawaii's tallest volcanic peaks including Mauna Kea and Hualālai. Sea turtles are frequently spotted in the area.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, clean restrooms are available on the catamaran.